Shining the spotlight on Pit Bulls, not Vick

As Michael Vick continues to draw headlines, national and local animal welfare groups are working hard to keep Pit Bulls and other canine victims of dogfighting at the heart of the discussion.

The rehabilitation of an abused eight-year-old pit bull named Duke, who is currently being cared for by Austin Pets Alive in Austin, Texas, is just one example of how rescue groups are helping to save “Vick” dogs across the country. His eyelids are folded under and his remaining eyelashes painfully scrape his eyes when he blinks. His skin is red and swollen. He bleeds from his torso, legs and face.

Duke was surrendered last week to a Texas shelter by his owner, who requested that he be put to sleep. Moments before the lethal injection was administered, the shelter’s back phone line rang. A small group of local and national animal welfare advocates had pooled their resources to save Duke and give him a chance for a better life. (And what became of Duke’s owner? Presumably he patted himself on the back for putting his dog out of his misery and walked away with a clear conscience. According to Austin Pets Alive, a cruelty investigation is underway.)

For more than five million animals in shelters across the United States each year, that call never comes. Dr. Pia Salk, a psychologist and animal welfare expert says, “Duke represents every animal in shelters across America. They are all innocent victims.”

A documentary film crew member who happened to be following Austin Pets Alive volunteers on their daily rounds to local animal shelters was so taken with Duke’s story that he offered to personally foster the dog until he fully recovers from his injuries and a more permanent home can be found.

Austin Pets Alive has already rescued and rehabilitated 2,200 animals since it opened its doors in June of 2008. Spokesperson Laura Stromberg says the organization is single-handedly responsible for a 20 percent decline in euthanasia rates in the city of Austin.

Duke’s medical costs have already exceeded $1,000 and are estimated to go even higher. Austin Pets Alive desperately needs the public’s help to fund his recovery and to help other abused and neglected animals.